The former Dobbies Garden Centre Pennine in Huddersfield is to join Bradford-based Yorkshire Garden Centres Group, which also acquired the Deans Garden Centres in York and Scarborough earlier this year.
Mark Farnsworth, MD of Yorkshire Garden Centres said: “Pennine Garden Centre is well known to many of our team who used to work there when it was owned by the Armitage family. Our team are excited about returning to the centre, and we hope we can revitalise the business in the coming months. We are delighted to welcome some of the Dobbies team into the business, and we look forward to them playing their part in the refurbishment over the next few weeks. We intend to reopen the store in the early spring.”
YGC Partners, a partnership with Altia Ltd, will reopen the four-acre site, previously run by the Armitage family, who sold it to Wyevale and subsequently Dobbies, following a period of refurbishment. 17 members of the Dobbies team will join the business.
Yorkshire Garden Centres began with the acquisition of Tong Garden Centre by Mark Farnsworth and Tom Megginson in 2015. They invested £9m and have turned Tong into one of Yorkshire’s leading garden centres. The Group’s strategy is to operate destination garden centres with a compelling mix of retail, food and play for all the family. It now operates sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York and Scarborough.
ITM Power has been selected as the technology provider and awarded a Front-End Engineering Design contract for a 50MW green hydrogen production site in the European Union for an undisclosed experienced green hydrogen plant developer.
The FEED will be based on ten NEPTUNE V units, our full-scope 5MW containerised electrolyser plant ideally suited for mid-sized projects. The FEED will support the project development ahead of a Final Investment Decision (FID) for the whole project, which the customer expects to take in 2025. The plant is planned to start producing approximately 5,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually from the second half of 2027 and supply local industries.
Dennis Schulz, CEO, said: “We are excited to have been selected as the technology partner for this project. NEPTUNE V was only launched in May of this year, and this FEED confirms our view at the time that mid-sized green hydrogen projects would experience strong momentum in the near term.”
The UK automotive and charging industries have been invited to shape the UK’s transition to zero emission vehicles in a new consultation.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has launched a consultation to ask views from industry on how to deliver the manifesto commitment to restore the 2030 phase-out date for new purely petrol and diesel cars and make the transition to zero emissions vehicles a success.
The 2030 phase out date is said to have been broadly supported by industry before the previous UK government extended the phase out to 2035. Currently more than two-thirds of car manufacturers in the UK, including Nissan and Stellantis, have already committed to fully transitioning to electric cars by 2030.
Today’s consultation will restore clarity for vehicle manufacturers and the charging industry so that they have the confidence to invest in the UK in the long-term and drive growth in the UK automotive industry.
To support manufacturers in the transition, it’s said that the ZEV Mandate already features a range of flexibilities to help industry comply in a way that makes sense for them and the wider market, including selling fewer zero emission vehicles than the headline target if they make up for it in other ways. The consultation explores the design of the flexibilities to ensure they continue to support manufacturers.
This consultation is focused on how to reach the 2030 target. It will give the sector the opportunity to consider how the current arrangements and flexibilities are working, which hybrid cars can be sold alongside zero emission models between 2030 and 2035, and any further support measures to help make the transition a success for industry and consumers.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Employing 152,000 people and adding £19 billion to our economy, the UK’s automotive industry is a huge asset to our nation — and the transition to electric is an unprecedented opportunity to attract investment, harness British innovation, and deliver growth for generations to come.”
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “There is no route to net zero without backing British industries and workers. There are huge advantages for British industry and we must make sure decarbonisation creates jobs and opportunities.”
One in four new cars sold this November was an EV, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders – a 58% increase on November 2023. EV owners are seeing the benefits too, as 97% of electric car drivers say they do not want to go back to petrol and diesel cars.
Thousands of tonnes of food that might otherwise go to waste will be delivered to those who need it most with the help of a new £15n government fund.
An estimated 330,000 tonnes of edible food is either wasted or repurposed as animal feed before leaving farm gates every year. While farmers would prefer for this to be destined for people’s plates, charities that redistribute food often lack the means to collect food from farms and get it to those who need it.
To strengthen the links between farms and charities and help solve the problem of farm food waste, a new scheme will see grants starting from £20,000 made available to the not-for-profit food redistribution sector in England. Throughout the year but especially over Christmas, the season of goodwill, this will help organisations like homeless shelters, food banks and charities fight hunger.
It will help British farmers to deliver good food for those that need it and reduce the costs they face when dealing with waste, while also increasing the capacity and capability of the redistribution sector to take on farm surplus.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: “With families gathering to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, it’s important to remember those in our communities who may be going hungry this festive period.
“Nobody wants to see good food go to waste – especially farmers who work hard to put food on family tables across the country.
“Our new fund will help the charitable sector to work more closely with farmers, helping to find new opportunities to get their world-leading produce to those most in need within our communities.”
The funding could go towards enabling successful applicants to buy new equipment, such as balers or hoppers, to allow bulky food items to be collected or processed into parcels, and technology to help donors and food redistribution charities work more closely. Money could also help provide more training to staff, to enhance their IT and food safety skills.
Information on when the fund opens and full eligibility criteria for applications will be confirmed in the New Year.
More than 4,400 people avoided peeling the sprouts to file their tax return online on Christmas Day, says HM Revenue and Customs.
In total, 40,072 customers, as well as spending the three-day holiday indulging in usual Christmas pastimes of eating, drinking and watching festive favourites on the TV, found time to go online and wrap up their 2023 to 2024 tax return, well ahead of the 31 January deadline.
Festive filing statistics show that over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day:
15:00 to 15:59 proved to be the most popular time to file on the big day itself, with 368 filing their return
11,932 customers missed out on leftovers for lunch, submitting their tax return on Boxing Day, with the most popular time being 16:00 to 16:59 and 1,108 filing during that time.
23,731 filed on Christmas Eve instead of last-minute shopping and wrapping. The most popular time was 11:00 to 11:59 when 3,458 filed their tax return
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “People who need to file a Self Assessment return and already have can enjoy the rest of the festive period knowing they’ve got it wrapped up for another year, and can enjoy singing Auld Lang Syne knowing their tax affairs are in order. For those who haven’t started yet, our online service is available 365 days a year so there’s still a chance to get it done before 2024 is out!”
Bradford has been promised a major boost to economic growth including thousands of new jobs as final preparations are made for its year as UK City of Culture 2025, says Culture Minister Sir Chris Bryant has announced.
An additional £5 million in funding takes the amount of economic support for Bradford’s year to £15 million, helping the Bradford Culture Company deliver a programme of events and support a legacy of cultural regeneration.
It will also encourage the next generation of creatives with 6,000 training opportunities expected across the district and Bradford expecting to create 6,500 new jobs as a result of being UK City of Culture.
The £5m additional investment is helping to kickstart economic growth, investment and reform and the extra funding will go towards the development of key venues that will host next year’s events, such as Bradford’s touring venue – The Beacon. It will provide key equipment for Bradford Theatres, who run one of the UK’s oldest concert halls, St George’s Hall, as well as Alhambra Theatre, The Studio, Kings Hall & Winter Garden and will support the development of new spaces for the National Science and Media Museum.
Bout 1,000 events will take place in 2025, developed alongside and in collaboration with local artists and creatives. They are expected to attract an additional 3.3 million visitors and bring in a visitor spend of nearly £140m into the local economy over the course of the year.
It is also estimated that the increased cultural and economic activity as a result of being UK City of Culture 2025 could leverage and accelerate an extra £700m of growth for the Bradford district by 2030, whilst helping to get more people involved in cultural events across the city.
More than 3,000 volunteers are being recruited to ensure that events run smoothly. This will boost civic pride as part of Bradford’s year in the spotlight by engaging communities right across the district and upskilling people wanting to get involved in events happening throughout the year.
Dan Bates, Executive Director at Bradford 2025 said: “By working together with DCMS we are not only creating new opportunities, but also equipping local people with the skills needed to thrive. This commitment to Bradford to enhance and develop its infrastructure, and ensuring our creative venues are accessible for all, will leave a lasting impact on generations to come. This investment is helping to shape a brighter, more dynamic future for Bradford and beyond.”
Immigration officials have been out in force across the UK to disrupt rogue employers who hire migrants illegally and exploit vulnerable people, and to address the promise of illegal jobs that are used by criminal smuggling gangs to sell spaces in small boats crossing the Channel.
Particular focus has been on targeting car washes, nail bars, supermarkets and construction sites suspected of hiring illegal workers and subjecting them to squalid conditions and illegal working hours at below minimum wage.
As part of activity to tackle illegal working, Immigration Enforcement also plays a critical safeguarding role, working closely with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and other organisations to allow employees to report labour exploitation.
More biometric fingerprinting kits will also be deployed to the frontline, allowing officers to check those they apprehend in illegal working raids against police databases on the spot, rather than having to take them to local police stations.
Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at Immigration Enforcement is Eddy Montgomery. He said: “This activity demonstrates our laser focus on holding employers to account and safeguarding those who are made to work in squalid conditions.
“I am proud of the teams across the country, for their hard work in accelerating this activity in recent months to prevent exploitation and ensure those who break the law face consequences.”
Telecoms company KCOM has marked the end of its 120th anniversary year with a bang by sharing almost £20,000 amongst there charities.
The Hull-based broadband provider has handed over £6,531.14 to each of its three official charity partners of the Year: Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University, Hull and East Yorkshire Mind and Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire.
The cash was raised by a number of fundraising events held throughout 2024 including a sponsored 120km Tour De KCOM cycle challenge, sponsored runners in the Hull 10k and an epic, three-day 120km walk across the region, starting in Filey and ending at the company’s Hull city centre HQ. Money raised was then matched by KCOM to add to the total.
KCOM CEO Tim Shaw, said: “It’s been a brilliant year packed with events and activities celebrating our 120-year history and heritage.
“It’s been important to us, in this landmark year, to keep giving back and I couldn’t think of three more deserving charities to raise funds for. Each of these charities do phenomenal work in Hull and East Yorkshire and I know the money raised will go towards improving the lives of many local people.
“I’d like to pay tribute to all the KCOM staff who have taken part in our fundraising events this year, they did a sterling job and epitomise our commitment to be at the heart of the local community. “
100,000 Christmas dinners will be donated as part of the King’s Coronation Food Project and distributed by FareShare to families in need over the festive period.
M&S will donate 240,000 portions of vegetables across its Christmas lines, ensuring everyone can enjoy two servings of vegetables with their meal.
In addition, 100,000 servings of turkey crowns have been donated by Bernard Matthews, and 1,800 pots of Bisto Turkey gravy granules will be provided by Premier Foods. Families will also receive a Matthew Walker Christmas Pudding, a brand owned by Valeo Foods Group, completing the full Christmas dinner experience.
FareShare will distribute these to local charities across the UK, including community centres, homelessness charities, lunch clubs and youth centres. More than three quarters of charities FareShare provides food to support children and families. This donation will help those who might otherwise be unable to celebrate this festive season.
Ranjit Singh Boparan, Founder and President of 2 Sisters Food Group, which operates a factory in Scunthorpe, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this festive donation with FareShare to provide 100,000 Christmas meals for those that need it most at this time of year.
“We are very proud to be part of this powerful alliance between Marks & Spencer, Bernard Matthews, Valeo Foods Group and Premier Foods which brings together retailers, manufacturers and suppliers to make this possible.
“I appreciate the support that Valeo Foods and Premier Foods have given in donating the Christmas puddings and gravy granules. I made just one call to the CEO’s and they stepped forward with these generous donations. Without the support of M&S, Valeo Foods, Premier Foods and 2SFG, none of this would be possible. The flexibility the teams have shown and their generosity in giving up their own time has made all this possible, and I applaud everyone for their efforts.”
Siemens Mobility is to continue its support for the Two Rivers Community Pantry in Goole, near the company’s state-of-the-art Rail Village.
Donations of £5,000 from the Siemens Mobility team included £1,000 towards Christmas pantomime tickets at the local theatre, Junction Goole, for families who would not ordinarily be able to attend.
This contribution marks the fifth consecutive year of donations to community causes from Siemens Mobility, helping provide support for those in need within the local community.
To help the team at Two Rivers Community Pantry, first year apprentices from Siemens Mobility’s Goole Rail Village packed items in bags for distribution, stocked shelves and learned more about the local community.
Natalie Thornton, Operations Support Manager for Siemens Mobility in Goole, said: “We deliver trains, technology and infrastructure from Britain, for Britain, to transform rail travel and transport – but we also hope that the support we provide to our local community makes a difference to those in need this Christmas.
“I am proud of the team for all the help that has been provided to the Two Rivers Community Pantry, marking the fifth year in a row that the Siemens Mobility team has donated support for our local community in Goole.”
Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Councillor for Goole North, said: “Five years of support for important causes, such as the community pantry, demonstrates Siemens Mobility’s continued commitment to Goole. Their kind donations and volunteering efforts will make a great difference to those in need as we head into Christmas.
“I would like to thank the team at Siemens Mobility’s Goole Rail Village for their support to the local community.”
The 360 Grass Roots Foundation, set up by 360 Chartered Accountants two years ago, has been given £500 from Hessle-based Bureau Technical Services Limited.
The charity provides financial support for children in the HU1 to HU9 postcode areas whose families are struggling with the cost of sports subscriptions, kit or travel.
Sophie Holmes, 360 Foundation Chair, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Bureau Technical Services for their generous donation, which will play a crucial role in supporting many children in our community access to grassroots sports. Thanks to them, we are one step closer to ensuring every child who applies to the Foundation can be supported and have the opportunity to participate, grow and thrive through sport.”
Since the Foundation began, it has raised nearly £15k from a variety of fundraising activities, supporting dozens of children – but this is the largest single donation so far received.
Richard Suddards, from Bureau Technical Services, a key provider to the global energy sector, said he became aware of the 360 Grass Roots Foundation earlier this year and immediately recognised the positive impact their work was having.
“From a very young age I was fortunate enough to be able participate within grassroots sport teams. Some of my happiest childhood memories are from that time in my life. I feel it is vital that all children are given the same opportunity I was given but I understand that sadly this is not always the case. As a company we hope that our donation can go some way towards supporting grassroots sport in our area.”
Yorkshire forced rhubarb and Swaledale ewe’s cheese are amongst a list of 39 UK foods granted special protected status for sale in Japan.
The news has been welcomed as an early Christmas present by food and drink businesses across the UK and could see a boost to British exports in Japan.
Japan’s population of 124 million has a strong appetite for international food and drink and the country’s status as the world’s fourth largest economy in 2023 highlights the strength of its consumer market and the commercial opportunities for premium British products.
39 distinctive products from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, already protected and celebrated by the UK Government as geographical indications, have formally gained protection following the completion of Japanese scrutiny processes.
These protections will safeguard British food and drink products with a distinct local identity, supporting jobs and tourism in mainly rural areas and boosting local growth, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said: “I’m thrilled to see there’s a taste for authentic British food and drink in Japan. We are committed to growing trade opportunities for British producers around the world as part of our Plan for Change, boosting growth and benefitting businesses across the country.
“The UK is home to a feast of flavours from every corner of the British Isles. With the new agreement between the UK and Japan, consumers will now be able to chew over their choices with confidence, knowing they’re getting the quality and reputation that British food is known for – it’s the perfect recipe for success.”
Scunthorpe-based Trent Refractories Ltd has reached a strategic technology transfer agreement with Alcar International Ltd.
Under the new agreement, Trent will continue to make a range of Alcar’s product lines in the UK. This collaboration will involve the full transfer of knowledge and technology from Alcar to Trent, ensuring a seamless transition and operational synergies for our customers.
In addition to our current portfolio, Trent will be making specialist products for the refractories industry.
A Trent Refrectories spokesman said: “We would like to extend our gratitude to the team at Alcar for their invaluable contribution to the refractories industry. Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in servicing these customers over the years, and we look forward to building on this legacy going forward and growing our manufacturing base here in the UK.”
A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony has marked a major step forward in the construction of Bradford College’s purpose-built £17m Future Technologies Centre.
Members of the Bradford College management team were joined by representatives from Morgan Sindall Construction and the Department for Education to celebrate construction commencing on site.
The project received £15 million from the Department for Education Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF) in October 2022, boosted by a £2 million College contribution.
The important milestone signifies the start of phase two of the project. Having previously undertaken extensive site surveys and the demolition of a derelict mill on Thornton Road in the city, Morgan Sindall is now undertaking the construction of a state-of-the-art four-storey building which will house modern automotive, digital, and engineering training at Bradford College.
The facility will offer students skills in new technologies, such as modern automotive and digital engineering, electric/hybrid vehicles and advanced manufacturing. The Centre will be vital in supporting the growth of technology and low-carbon skills capability within West Yorkshire.
Once completed in 2026, the Bradford College Automotive and Digital Engineering Department will relocate from Bowling Back Lane to the new premises. As many as 650 students could enrol at the Centre.
Commenting at the ceremony, Sarah Towan (Bradford College Vice Principal – Recruitment & Communications) said: “We are delighted to be breaking ground on this exciting new development for Bradford College. Engineering and motor vehicle skills development are high on the agenda for our local employers and regional economy.
“This cutting-edge facility will provide a highly skilled workforce for the careers of the future, so today marks an important moment for everyone involved in the project.”
Ben Hall, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s Yorkshire business, added: “We’re thrilled to deliver what will be a game-changing new facility for Bradford.
“As part of our delivery of this project, we look forward to undertaking social value initiatives that benefit the people of Bradford, ensuring this new facility has a positive impact on the city way ahead of opening.”
Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has completed a significant letting at One Leeds City Office Park.
Victoria College of Art and Design has agreed to a 16-year lease for 26,960 sq ft of Grade A office space across the ground and part of the first floor, to be used for educational purposes.
One Leeds City Office Park offers contemporary office accommodation spread across three main floors.
The letting follows David Samuel Properties’ recent acquisition of the building, marking a large step in their investment strategy for premium office spaces in Leeds.
David Samuel Properties said: “This letting represents an exciting milestone for One Leeds City Office Park and aligns with our vision of attracting premium occupiers to our portfolio.
“We’re delighted to welcome Victoria College of Art and Design to the building and are confident that its high-quality facilities and prime location will support their growth and success. We thank Lambert Smith Hampton for their work in securing this letting, which highlights the strong appeal of the property and its positioning within the Leeds market.”
Matt Procter, Senior Surveyor at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “We’re pleased to have facilitated this important letting and to see One Leeds City Office Park attract top occupiers like Victoria College of Art and Design. The building’s high quality design, flexible layout and prime location highlights its appeal as one of the standout office spaces within Leeds.”
LSH and JLL acted jointly to secure the letting; Victoria College of Art and Design were unrepresented.
Sheffield-based Henry Boot’s land promotion and planning business Hallam Land has exchanged contracts for the sale of about 600 residential plots in the Midlands.
This latest residential sale resulted in an ungeared internal rate of return of 28% p.a. and takes Hallam’s 2024 plot disposals to about 2,800. This is marginally below the sales target of 3,000 plots for the year, but the sale of 52 acres of employment land in Coventry, Hallam is now on track to hit its full year financial target.
Hallam’s land bank now has planning consent on 9,611 plots (June 2024: 7,990), and a further 10,000 plots are expected to be submitted into the planning system over the next 12 months, leaving the group in a strong position to meet its medium-term strategic target of selling 3,500 plots per annum.
Tim Roberts, CEO at Henry Boot, said: “This latest sale of a significant parcel of consented residential land means that Hallam Land is firmly on track to meet its target for land sales in this financial year. I am also pleased to note that under the new Government there has already been a welcome and much-needed improvement in the planning system. We expect this to provide a strong tailwind to Henry Boot’s ambition to accelerate the volume of plots submitted for approval from our well located land bank next year.”
The Serious Fraud Office has charged five men, including two solicitors, with offences including fraud, forgery, and the destruction of documents, following the collapse of the law firm Axiom Ince, which had offices in Leeds, and alleged improper use of more than £60 million of client money.
The firm’s CEO and director Pragnesh Modhwadia is charged alongside co-director Shyam Mistry and Chief Financial Officer Muhammad Ali with two counts of fraud by abuse of position. They are alleged to have misused client funds and exposed thousands of the firm’s clients to losses.
Modhwadia and Mistry are also charged, alongside the firm’s Chief Technology Officer Rupesh Karawadra and Vice President of IT Jayesh Anjaria, with conspiring to conceal, destroy or dispose of documents relevant to a Solicitors Regulation Authority investigation into the firm. All five are also charged with conspiring to mislead the SRA using false documents.
Axiom Ince was closed by the SRA in October 2023. At the time, the group also had offices across the country, including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, London, and Manchester.
Nick Ephgrave, Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), said: “The collapse of Axiom Ince left thousands of clients exposed to significant losses and hundreds of people out of a job. The SFO set out to identify and bring those responsible to justice, and today’s charging is a significant milestone in achieving that.
“I pledged at the start of my tenure to speed up case progression at the SFO and with this investigation, opened only 15 months ago, we have conducted a thorough and targeted investigation in record time to bring these charges today.”
All defendants are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 15th January to answer the charges against them.
The creation of a flagship new sustainable community in the heart of Bradford took a major step forward this week as Bradford Council and ECF (the partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse) entered into a Development Agreement to kick-start the first phase of Bradford City Village.
The City Village, which aims to completely transform Bradford city centre, is set to be one of the first examples of devolution in action – delivered thanks to a collaborative partnership between Bradford Council, ECF, Homes England and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).
This ambitious regeneration opportunity will create up to 1,000 new homes (including affordable homes), three new community parks and public spaces, along with shops, cafes, restaurants, and offices designed to meet the needs of future generations.
Bradford City Village aims to create a sustainable community where people can live within walking distance of amenities, shops, parks, work and school. It will integrate an array of strategies to promote walking, cycling and other forms of sustainable transport.
Credit: 5Plus Architects
Bradford Council Leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: “This is an exciting step forward in our vision to create a healthy, sustainable and friendly neighbourhood. City Village is a transformative regeneration programme which will re-define the city centre.
“Whilst housing is at the heart of these plans, City Village will also create opportunities for new independent retail, cafes, bars and business spaces in a city that in 2025 will become the UK’s number one cultural destination.
“It shows the direction of Bradford for the next ten years – quality housing, more public and green spaces with a strong cultural offer, creating the quality of city centre living that our residents need and deserve.
“We’re delighted to be moving forward on City Village, as part of a much bigger picture of regeneration across Bradford with current programmes like One City Park complete, and the pedestrianisation works due to finish soon.”
This significant milestone comes hot on the heels of the launch of the Government’s Devolution White Paper earlier this week – which it claims is “a key way to kickstart economic growth.”
Bradford City Village is one of fifteen places identified in the Strategic Place Partnership between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Homes England – announced last year – which aims to unlock ambitious, complex residential regeneration schemes and boost the delivery of thousands more homes.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Thanks to partnership working and the power of devolution, we’re unlocking millions of pounds of investment to regenerate communities, raise living standards, build more homes and grow our economy. Bradford City Village will be a gamechanger for West Yorkshire as we work to build a stronger, brighter region.”
Credit: 5Plus Architects
With the crucial Development Agreement now in place, ECF will work in partnership with the Council to progress a planning application expected to be submitted in spring 2025, following a second phase of public consultation.
Sir Michael Lyons, Chair of ECF, said: “City Village is Bradford’s most ambitious regeneration project in generations. We’re excited to continue to work with the Council, Homes England and West Yorkshire Combined Authority to help Bradford realise its full potential, transforming the city centre into a safe, sustainable and inclusive place where people will want to live, as well as work and visit.”
Bradford City Village is an important part of a transformational programme of enhancements in the district, including the £23m Darley Street Market development and highway and public realm infrastructure improvements as part of the Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvements scheme.
The wider project team for Bradford City Village includes 5plus Architects, re-form Landscape Architecture, Avison Young, Cushman & Wakefield and Turner & Townsend.
A new marketing campaign for North Yorkshire next year will highlight the location used for film and television backdrops for productions including the last Indiana Jones movie and Tom Cruise in the Mission Impossible franchise.
Visit North Yorkshire intends to highlight a wide range of locations that have been used in, inspired or have connections to movie blockbusters and hit TV shows.
More than £4 billion is brought into North Yorkshire’s economy each year through tourism and the industry supports 38,500 jobs, and the opportunity of promoting North Yorkshire’s connections to locations linked to film, television and literature has been highlighted as a way of boosting the county’s multi-billion pound tourism sector.
The All Creatures Great and Small series has been drawing visitors to the county for years, whilst more recently Fountains Abbey and Plumpton Rocks landscape gardens were used as locations for the Netflix fantasy drama series The Witcher.
The CEO of Screen Yorkshire, Caroline Cooper Charles, said: “At Screen Yorkshire, our mission is to attract high-quality film and TV productions to the region, showcasing Yorkshire’s diverse landscapes and historic locations.
“The impact of these productions creates a ripple effect from increased visitor numbers to filming locations, boosting tourism revenue, to job creation across hospitality, retail, and the arts.
“Screen Tourism offers a unique opportunity to showcase Yorkshire to the world while directly contributing to the region’s economy and cultural pride. It’s a powerful example of how the creative industries can drive meaningful growth and deliver lasting value to our region.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, said: “Tourism is among the most important areas of North Yorkshire’s economy, and we are committed to ensuring we can boost the sector.
“So many people are fascinated by the locations which have been used in leading television and film productions, and are keen to see these places firsthand.
“The chance to highlight our links to film and TV is a prime example of how we can expand the market for visitors, and thereby benefit our tourism businesses and the wider local economy.”
The new campaign, called Starring North Yorkshire, will complement Visit England’s own international marketing drive, Starring Great Britain. It will see the locations used for film and television promoted via Visit North Yorkshire’s social media channels and an itinerary is being drawn up that will be available on the tourism organisation’s new website, which is due to launch in the spring.
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead. It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.Here we speak to Graham Edward, Managing Director at Edward Architects.
Edward Architects has experienced a healthy workload in 2024 and has enjoyed continued growth including the opening of a new Leeds studio. This was despite a lull over the summer as the property sector awaited the outcome of the General Election and an understanding of how this affected Planning Policy.
We are finding that our residential workload remains strong particularly on Partnership schemes where housebuilders are working with Housing Associations to deliver unit numbers. We see this continuing through 2025 though developers are feeling the pinch as BNG implications and a very slow planning system are harming returns and delivery.
Industrial demand appears to have peaked, but remains healthy. We are also working on the refurbishment of Industrial stock which will be coming onto the market in 2025 adding to the offer available to end users.
Strategic land remains a solid workload for us as these clients take the long term view.
For the Government to achieve its housing target and deliver growth in Construction in 2025, my one big tip is to fund Local Authority planning sufficiently to bring in a ‘mini army’ of experienced planners from the private sector to speed up decisions. The Government should also avoid adding any more red tape or layers of decision making as the planning timescales are directly maiming many SME housebuilders and is deterring property investment.
The current mix of a strong Government, delivery of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPFF) and UK interest rates creeping downwards can only add confidence to the property investment market for 2025. So, in summary, we are more positive about the prospects of 2025 versus 2024 as the market becomes more settled and investable.
At Edward Architects we are excited to face the challenges that 2025 is going to throw at us head on and will spread our specialisms of residential, strategic land and accessible design into new client bases. We are ready for the next phase of continued growth.
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